MPI lights furnace on green energy drive

A Teesside-based research institute is helping industry make the switch to cleaner fuels with a “pioneering” high-temperature innovation.

The Materials Processing Institute (MPI), in Middlesbrough, has entered the final commissioning phase of a new multi-fuel bogie hearth furnace, capable of operating on hydrogen and other low-carbon fuels. 

Developed by Therser UK, the furnace can heat up to five tonnes of material to 1300°C and is supported by ECONOMISER 2, a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) programme that is being delivered by the Foundation Industry Sustainability Consortium (FISC).

Once operational, it will serve as a pilot-scale demonstrator for businesses aiming to decarbonise heat-intensive processes. 

The system features advanced sensors to capture critical data, aiding investment decisions.

Terry Walsh, chief executive of MPI, said: “This is a significant investment and a major milestone in supporting industry to accelerate the transition to more sustainable fuels. 

“It offers a unique platform for testing, validating, and de-risking hydrogen and fuel switching technologies.”

The new furnace complements MPI’s existing hydrogen infrastructure and will be available for testing by manufacturers and materials developers.

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